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State Symbols and Official Adoptions

The North Carolina General Assembly adopted its first state symbol in 1885 with legislation recognizing the official State Flag. Since that time, the Legislature has adopted more symbols over time, from the State Dog to the State Beverage to the State Vegetable. Some symbols are emblems or iconic representations of the state's history and culture, like the flag. Others represent the state's unique natural heritage, like the Cardinal and the Venus Fly Trap, or elements that have been vital to sustaining people or the economy, like the Sweet Potato as the State Vegetable.

The bill has to pass both houses of the legislature and then be signed by the governor. If you go to www.ncleg.net and search in the keyword bills box using "state symbols" you can get the bill number. Next, take a look at the status of the bill. If it has been ratified (gone through the entire approval process) then take a look at the bill text and see what the effective date is. Once the bill officially passes, we will make this information available in NCpedia. I hope this helps. Thank you for using NCpedia!